Students inspired by scientists in ASE competition

A renowned British Astrophysicist was among the scientists interviewed by students in a competition run by the ASE’s learning resource site schoolscience.co.uk in association with Data Harvest and Primary Engineer.

Nine-year-old Bill Peters-Cheale’s interview of Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell was one of the recently announced winning entries of the 2012 Leaders Award, which aims to teach young people about careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.

Bill, who emailed his questions to the former president of the IOP, said: “I wanted to interview her because I have a few seemingly impossible questions that my mum and dad’s friends can’t answer.

“I’m also really interested in the science of space and she is one of the most knowledgeable people in the world.”

Pupils and students aged 5 to 19 interviewed people working in STEM to answer the question: What is the value of Science?

Chemical engineers, astrophysicists, European Space Agency flight directors, Olympic venue project managers, surgeons, biophysicists and chocolatiers were interviewed by the students.

The winners in the primary school category were: Chris Wallace from Bishops Cannings Church of England Aided Primary School, Wiltshire, Bill Peters-Cheale from Highcliffe St Mark’s Primary School, Dorset and Mia Carter from Ashdell Preparatory School, South Yorkshire.

After her interview with an organic chemist from Sheffield University, Mia Carter (pictured) said: “The main thing that I learnt about Professor Harrity was just how much he enjoys his work.

“He never goes into work thinking ‘Not today!’ His attitude towards work is so positive and I just hope that I am as happy as he is when I start work!”

In the secondary category the winners were: Hannah Bradfield from Birley Community College, South Yorkshire, Matthew Gormley from Philip’s High School, Manchester and Lir Afiq from Chinthurst School, Surrey.

The advanced category was won by: Samad Arshad from Pimlico Academy, London, Tom Sarstedt from Tarporley Community High School, Cheshire and James Melia from Tarporley Community High School, Cheshire.

The overall winners in each category picked up USB Microscopes and the runners up received Solar 6-in-1 Kits.

The winning articles are available to read on the Leaders Award website where schools can also register to take part in next year’s competition.